Homemade Fig Bars
Easy Homemade Fig Bars Recipe with Nuts and Rolled Oats
Introduction
Homemade fig bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. These bars are made with a sweet and sticky fig filling sandwiched between a crumbly oat crust and topping.
History
Fig bars have been a popular snack for many years, with the first commercial version being introduced in the early 20th century. However, making homemade fig bars allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 oz (227 g) dried figs, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup nuts, finely chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup water
Crumb crust and topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup margarine or butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp vanilla
- 2.25 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1.75 cup rolled oats
How to prepare
Filling
- Combine sugar, dried figs, nuts, and water in a medium saucepan.
- Heat the mixture to boiling; then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Set the mixture aside to cool.
Crumb crust and topping
- Cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy.
- Add salt and vanilla; mix until well blended.
- Stir in 1.75 cups of flour and oats until the mixture is well mixed and crumbly.
- Spread and pat two-thirds of the flour mixture evenly into an ungreased 9x13x2-inch pan.
Putting it All Together
- Spread the filling evenly on top of the crust.
- Add 0.5 cup of flour to the remaining flour mixture; crumble and spread it all over the filling.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then cut them into bars.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
- Substitute the nuts in the filling with dried cranberries or raisins for a different twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to finely chop the dried figs and nuts for the filling to ensure a smooth and even texture.
- Simmer the filling mixture until it is thickened to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the bars.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade fig bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cool the filling mixture before spreading it on the crust to prevent the bars from becoming too soft.
- Bake the bars until they are lightly browned to ensure a crispy crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
Make Ahead Tips
Homemade fig bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Cut the fig bars into different shapes, such as squares or triangles, for a fun presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Homemade fig bars pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the bars in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of homemade fig bars contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of homemade fig bars contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of homemade fig bars contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of homemade fig bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Homemade fig bars are a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Alergens
Homemade fig bars may contain nuts and gluten.
Summary
Homemade fig bars are a delicious and nutritious snack or dessert option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
Homemade fig bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. With a sweet and sticky fig filling sandwiched between a crumbly oat crust and topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Homemade Fig Bars. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street from me. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious baked goods and I always looked forward to trying out her new creations.
On this particular day, as I entered her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked fig bars. Mrs. Jenkins had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a piping hot bar and said, "Try this, dear. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."
I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet, sticky fig goodness. The pastry was buttery and flaky, and the fig filling was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. I was in awe of the flavors and textures that Mrs. Jenkins had managed to create with such simple ingredients.
As I savored every bite, Mrs. Jenkins told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had learned to make fig bars from a dear friend who had immigrated from Italy many years ago. The friend had brought the recipe with her, along with a box of dried figs, and had taught Mrs. Jenkins' grandmother how to make the bars from scratch.
Mrs. Jenkins went on to say that over the years, she had tweaked the recipe to suit her own tastes and preferences. She had experimented with different types of figs, varying the amount of sugar, and even adding a hint of cinnamon to the filling. The result was a fig bar that was truly her own creation, a testament to her love for baking and her dedication to preserving family traditions.
As I finished my fig bar, I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious treat for myself. Mrs. Jenkins graciously offered to teach me her recipe, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, mixing, rolling, and baking batch after batch of fig bars.
I learned that the key to making perfect fig bars lies in the quality of the ingredients. Mrs. Jenkins insisted on using only the finest dried figs, organic flour, and farm-fresh butter. She also stressed the importance of patience and attention to detail, as even the slightest deviation from the recipe could result in a less-than-perfect outcome.
After several hours of baking and tasting, I finally mastered the art of making Homemade Fig Bars. As I packed up a tin of bars to take home with me, Mrs. Jenkins smiled and said, "Remember, dear, these fig bars are not just a sweet treat. They are a piece of history, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the love and care that goes into every bite."
And so, armed with Mrs. Jenkins' recipe and her words of wisdom, I set out to share the joy of Homemade Fig Bars with my own family and friends. As I watched their faces light up with delight as they took their first bite, I knew that I had truly captured the magic of this timeless recipe – a recipe that had been passed down through generations, bringing joy and sweetness to all who tasted it.
Categories
| Bar Cookie Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Fig Recipes | Oats Recipes | Snack Recipes |